Five coffee stops Greenpoint & Queens

12 September 2018

Growing in popularity, the neighborhoods of Astoria, Long Island City and Greenpoint are hubs of culture, history and lots of good food. Greenpoint adjoins Williamsburg on the other side of McCarren Park and, although quiet, is full of innovative eateries and shops. Walk over Pulaski Bridge to Long Island City and explore a burgeoning part of Queens where lots of new restaurants, MoMA’s contemporary art affiliate PS1 and a thriving creative community can be found. Astoria boasts a diverse cultural mix that includes Italian, Jewish and Greek communities.

Here are five great coffee shop picks.

Astoria Coffee36-02 Ditmars Boulevard
Astoria Coffee brings a special love for the glorious bean at this neighborhood shop, hosting a variety of different coffees here. They source from multiple American roasters, and have the beans available to purchase. They keep at least two different types of roasts on the bar for espresso drinks. Don't hesitate to ask questions because the baristas are more than happy to walk you through the tasting notes to get you just what you’re looking for.

Café Grumpy Greenpoint193 Meserole Avenue
Café Grumpy's original location, in the quiet residential edge of Greenpoint, is so large and the clientele exude such laid-back artsiness that you get the sense you could bring in an easel and start painting a portrait, and no one would raise an eyebrow. Anyone can appreciate the frothy light texture of their latte, but Grumpy, which roasts their own beans in the back, caters to coffee nerds. In addition to reliably delicate, rich pour overs (which really do get even more flavorful as they cool down), they offer a single-origin espresso in addition to a house blend.

Odd Fox Coffee984 Manhattan Avenue
Odd Fox doesn’t deny that its name is a bit strange, but that’s all part of the fun. Serving first rate products, including Parlor coffee and Ovenly pastries, Odd Fox has established itself as a strong player in the Greenpoint coffee scene. Its low-key ambiance, soft lighting, and gentle music make it a great place to come with a book or your laptop (there are outlets next to every table!). The quick service makes it a great option for a grab and go coffee if you’re in a rush to catch a train, or feel free to sit in and take it easy – the friendly baristas won’t mind! If you’re in the mood for something a little adventurous, why not try one of their other delicious drinks such as their hot cider. Coffee connoisseurs, take the opportunity to chat with the friendly and knowledgeable baristas as they pull flavorful espressos.

Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters Jackson Avenue10-93 Jackson Avenue
The prevailing aesthetic in Long Island City is glass and steel, making the cozy design of Sweetleaf all the more welcome. From couches and a table in the front, you can see through big windows into the bakery where excellent cinnamon doughnuts and other goodies are made. In the back is a room with a record player where guests are encouraged to pick something out from the collection or bring their records to play. Go for an espresso drink - Sweetleaf roast their own, nearby.

Toby's Estate Long Island City26-25 Jackson Avenue
This area of Long Island City is sprouting a forest of high-rise hotels and apartment buildings, and their future residents have a treat awaiting them at Toby’s. This latest branch is also one of the best, with the company’s usual top-quality beans brewed beautifully whichever method you go for. Lovers of cold brew should check out their ‘Black + White’; milky, slightly sweetened, totally addictive. The only thing that can make the coffee better is the space; an early 20th-century building that served as an art gallery in one of its earlier incarnations. The whole building has been hollowed out so the room goes right up into the roof, with massive steel and wooden beams and gorgeous lighting including contemporary-style chandeliers over the counter and main seating area. It’s a little like being in a coffee cathedral. As if that weren’t enough, there’s a garden in back where you can pretty much forget you’re in booming LIC. Toby has really hit it out of the park with this one. Long Island City is truly lucky!